Russell Bernard Modjeski, 60 was raised in the country in a quaint town of New Lisbon, Wisconsin. Shortly after high school he left his home to move to bigger cities but would return home to visit often. He would also try and look up friends when he could on those visits. He was a fine son. Russ resided in Chicago, Illinois for the last 30+ years. Born on October 27, 1959 in Tomah, Wisconsin, to his now, late parents, Frank and Dora (nee Roder) Modjeski. Russ left us on Sunday morning March 29, 2020. Sadly, he suffered the last week of his life from the Covid-19 Flu. His compromised health due to his Diabetes and related ailments could not withstand the attack on his body. His devoted wife of 26 years, Kelly (Hamilton) was by his side until he was called home. Russ was married on September 5, 1993. The unlikely pair lived for and cherished their Two loving biological children Bradley Frank, 25 and Hannah Lee, 23. Their kids will carry fond memories of their Dad for a lifetime. Russ also helped raise additional foster children from Catholic Charities for numerous years.
If you knew Russ, you knew he loved to cook, and his family and friends loved to be the recipient of his culinary talents. He would quip that his belly was a deer gut, not a beer gut. In his youth after high school he had many vocation interests from Radio Host to Semi Truck Driver and found work in the food industry in various capacities from Bus boy to Manager. If he could, Russ would have liked to have his own restaurant one day but instead he found other opportunities to provide for his family and sacrificed his own dreams so his wife could be home to raise the many children whom surrounded them in the early years. Russ accepted a position as an Emergency Officer at the Chicago 911 Center so that he could secure health insurance for his family. Although he was a quiet, reclusive man, Russ made some close friends there and he gave the City 20 years of his life and cooked often for his group when frequent fund raisers were held for employees in need over the years. Another interest of his was cars, old and new. Russ could spot a “For Sale” sign from a block away on an old Chevy. Russ had a dry sense of humor. His kids found that endearing. He also had a knack for remembering and reciting the lines in many musicals and movies.
Russell Bernard Modjeski was thoughtful and a very generous man. He is survived by his immediate family listed above and Four brothers whom he missed and loved so dearly and spoke of them with fondness. Older and admired brother Patrick James (Partner, Debra Harmann) nieces, Tracy and Lynette and nephew Ryan. Older Brother Tim Foley, niece Ashley. Younger beloved Brothers Ron (Mindy) Modjeski with niece Stephanie and nephew Lincoln. And Brother Dan (Patricia) and niece Angela. Siblings Rick, Bill and Cheri have departed. Russ was also loved by his Mother in law Kathleen Hamilton and four Brother in laws. Bob and Tony Hamilton both late and Paul and Raymond (Victoria) Hamilton and Sister in law Kim (Paul) Henry with many additional nieces and nephews. Two beagles, Harvey and Leo also miss their Dad.
Services were suspended by city mandate due to the current pandemic of our times. A glass will be lifted for Russ to celebrate his life together with family and friends in the late Summer when permitted to do so. We pray he knows he made a difference and touched many lives for the better. May his soul forever rest in peace.
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